Cover

Why should I keep my cover during coronavirus?

As we navigate this strange new reality we find ourselves in, it’s fair to wonder if private health insurance is actually worth it at the moment.

We know it’s tough right now. But there are still some solid reasons to hang onto your cover.

Can I even use my private hospital cover right now?

The short answer is yes. People still need hospital treatment for diseases and illnesses apart from coronavirus. Private health insurance still covers you for these treatments, just as before.

• Even with elective surgeries on hold for now, we’re still expecting a similar volume of urgent and emergency admissions into the private system.
• We’re still funding critical treatments and surgeries included in your cover, such as heart failure, cardiac surgery, infants at risk, neurosurgery, dialysis, pregnancy, oncology and chemotherapy treatment etc. As usual, when you’re covered by us you’re still able to choose your own specialist. And if you are admitted to hospital for treatment, you still have the option of electing to be treated as a private patient.
• health.com.au will cover all customers with hospital cover for COVID-19 related hospitalisations, regardless of their level of cover.

And what about Extras?

Even with social distancing measures in place, it’s important that you’re able to continue to receive the treatments you need during this time. 

• Many allied health services are still operating. In the past couple of weeks, health.com.au has introduced access to new extras benefits for telehealth physiotherapy and psychology services. Telehealth consultations are a safe and effective method of continuing your care from the safety of home. Find out more in our coronavirus FAQ’s.
• health.com.au will also continue to cover customers for other services such as emergency dental, as we would normally.

So, what happens next?

In a post-lockdown landscape, here’s what we can reasonably expect to see:

• Elective surgeries that were cancelled due to coronavirus will still need to happen at some point. The longer the lockdown, the larger the future bottleneck in the health system is likely to become. Having private hospital cover means that you can avoid an even longer than normal public hospital waitlist, as well as have access to private care with your choice of doctor.
• We also expect to see more related private hospital admissions for our customers who are more vulnerable to COVID-19, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
• We’re predicting a surge in Extras claims once service providers are able to return to work and you’re able to visit the dentist, physio, optometrist etc as per usual. Remember: extras limits are per calendar year, so there’ll still be time for customers to make claims and get good use from their cover.

We’re in this together.

We’re not saying it just for fun. health.com.au have put a number of practical measures in place to help you when you really need it. Take a look through the range of support options here. 

It’s a concern for everyone, but be assured we’re keeping a close watch on developments as they unfold, and we’re continuing to work behind the scenes on ways to better assist our customers during this tough time.

As always, we’re here if you need us.